Limb pain

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will diagnose this condition based mainly on the appearance of the affected area. Frequent checks of the
pulse
, blood pressure, temperature, skin condition, and blood flow may be needed.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment with your provider if you develop symptoms of this condition.

Also call if you already have the condition and your symptoms worsen or do not get better with treatment.

Prevention

In the hospital, swollen or inflamed veins can be prevented by:

The nurse regularly changing the location of your IV line and removing it if swelling, redness, or pain develop

Walking and staying active as soon as possible after surgery or during a long-term illness

When possible, avoid keeping your legs and arms still for long periods. Move your legs often or take a stroll during long plane trips or car trips. Try to avoid sitting or lying down for long periods without getting up and moving about.

Superficial thrombophlebitis - illustration

Superficial thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of a vein just below the surface of the skin, which results from a blood clot. This condition may occur after recently using an IV line, or after trauma to the vein. Some symptoms can include pain and tenderness along the vein and hardening and feeling cord-like. Superficial thrombophlebitis is usually a benign and short-term condition. Symptoms generally subside in 1 to 2 weeks, but hardness of the vein may remain for much longer.

Superficial thrombophlebitis

illustration

Superficial thrombophlebitis - illustration

Shown here is erythema following the vascular pattern on a lower extremity. The superficial veins have become inflamed and dilated, causing the discoloration.

Superficial thrombophlebitis

illustration

Superficial thrombophlebitis - illustration

Superficial thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of a vein just below the surface of the skin, which results from a blood clot. This condition may occur after recently using an IV line, or after trauma to the vein. Some symptoms can include pain and tenderness along the vein and hardening and feeling cord-like. Superficial thrombophlebitis is usually a benign and short-term condition. Symptoms generally subside in 1 to 2 weeks, but hardness of the vein may remain for much longer.

Superficial thrombophlebitis

illustration

Superficial thrombophlebitis - illustration

Shown here is erythema following the vascular pattern on a lower extremity. The superficial veins have become inflamed and dilated, causing the discoloration.